Fees & Refunds

What are the differences between Government subsidised and fee-for-service training places?

Government subsidised training places attract a subsidy from the government that pays for your training fees (tuition fees). You must meet set criteria to be eligible for a government subsidy and provide acceptable evidence to support this. Refer to the table within this document to see how much the Government contribution towards your training may be.

Fee-for-service training (also known as non-Government subsidised training) places are for students who do not meet the eligibility requirements for government subsidy or fee concession. Fee payment plans are available for fee-for-service students; however we also have other payment options. See below.

Other payment options

We also have the option of a study loan; which is a new kind of finance for students seeking assistance in paying for their vocational tertiary education. We are all about helping students advance in their careers to reach their full potential. So if you're not eligible for funding, and you're looking for an alternative, check out a study loan. To find out more, work out if you're eligible and to trial the loan calculator click here:

If you supply acceptable evidence to show that you are eligible for government subsidised training (please see below for eligibility), Brite Institute will apply to the government to pay for your tuition fees. As of 1 January, 2019 Brite, does not charge any additional fees for tuition or amenities. As such, all government subsidised training can be considered “free” to the student. Brite Institute levies fees and charges in accordance with the Department of Education and Early Childhood Development’s fees and charges guidelines. Please refer to www.education.vic.gov.au/victorianskillsgateway/students/pages/fees-funding-and-financial-support.aspx for further details. Fees and charges are also applied in a manner that upholds the principles of access and equity.

What are the eligibility requirements for a government subsidised training place?

In 2019 you are eligible for a Victorian government-subsidised training place if you:

Seeking to enrol in nationally recognised training as an apprenticeship

20 years and older and 'upskilling' by seeking to enrol in a course at a higher level than your existing qualification

And:

You haven't begun and are not enrolled to begin two or more other government-subsidised courses this calendar year. (This means that you can start no more than two government-subsidised courses in this calendar year)

You are not already doing two or more other government-subsidised courses. (This means that you can do no more than two government-subsidised courses at one time).

You have not commenced two government subsidised courses at the same level in your lifetime (for example, at Certificate III level)

You have not commenced two government subsidised accredited courses with the title ‘Course in…’ in your lifetime.

Fee concessions

Whilst Brite may take a copy of a concession card upon enrolment, it is important to note that:

Concessions fees are not available for non-government subsidised training

As of 1 January, 2019, no tuition fees will be charged for government subsidised training, therefore concessions are not applicable.

Individual student's fees may vary because a student's tuition fee is affected by a number of factors including; the year a student is enrolling, the number of hours they are enrolling in, whether the student has been granted credit transfers, and whether they are eligible for a concession, fee waiver or fee exemption.

Brite Institute is committed to helping students understand how their fees are calculated and providing information that can help students minimise the fees they are required to pay. This information includes:

An itemised list of what you will have to pay

A choice of where to buy any equipment or materials you need

Details of when materials will be needed during the course, to help you plan and budget your material and equipment purchases

Details of any concessions or funding you may be eligible for and the evidence you will need to have to support this eligibility; and

Details of our refund policy

Who is eligible for a fee concession?

Whilst Brite may take a copy of a concession card upon enrolment, it is important to note that:

Concessions fees are not available for non-government subsidised training

As of 1 January, 2019, no tuition fees will be charged for government subsidised training, therefore concessions are not applicable.

What will your training cost if you are a Job Seeker?

If you are a referred through a Job Active (JA) Provider, the provider may be able to assist you with paying your enrolment fees (non-government subsidised training). Generally, the cost for materials and amenities fees is your responsibility but you should contact your JA provider to discuss the possibility of further assistance. If you are a Job Seeker but do not have a JA provider, you may still meet the eligibility criteria for a government subsidised training place. Please contact Brite Institute (p:9481 6422) to discuss.

What is a Fee Waiver/Exemption?

Specific fee waivers/exemptions may apply to government subsidised courses. For example, prisoners from the Judy Lazarus Transition Centre and young people required to undertake a course of study pursuant to a Community Corrections Order (Victoria) are not charged a tuition fee.

Please contact Brite Administration (p: 9481 6422) to determine if you are eligible for a fee waiver or exemption.

Fee payment options

Payment for non-government subsidised training can be made via cash, cheque, money order, credit card, EFTPOS or direct debit into Brite Institute's bank account. If an employer or third party is paying your fees, confirmation from that party must be provided.

When must my fees be paid?

Fees for non-Government subsidised training which may include text book fees and amenities fees must be paid at enrolment or prior to training commencement (or at least a portion of). A payment plan can be developed for all subsequent payments.

What happens in situations where a student is experiencing difficulty paying fees?

Any person able to demonstrate extreme hardship may apply for a fee exemption or concession fee. “Extreme Hardship” is not defined specifically, but the phrase indicates that the circumstances are exceptional. Reasons for the exemption or concession must be documented by the student on the application.

What other charges apply?

Requests for reprints of Certificates or Statements of Attainment will be charged $30.00 each.

What happens if there are unpaid fees?

A Certificate or Statement of Attainment will not be issued until all outstanding fees have been paid.

Brite Institute’s Refund Policy

The following information only applies to non-government subsidised training. As of 1 January 2019, no tuition or amenity fees are charged for Government Subsidised training, therefore the following refund policy does not apply.

Brite Institute does not accept tuition fees in advance. Training materials/resources and/or amenities fees paid at enrolment or prior to training commencement shall not exceed $1000. Brite Institute will refund fees paid in advance without penalty should a course be cancelled or a student not commence.

Fees paid by students who discontinue within four weeks of course commencement may be refunded less an administration fee (charged as a percentage of the overall fees) and less the cost of any materials provided.

Fees paid for students who withdraw from a training program more than four weeks after course commencement will not be refunded. Requests for refunds will be processed within 28 days of receiving the written request. Refunds will not be issued in cash.

Fees will not be refunded until:

a written request for refund has been submitted to Brite Institute’s RTO Operations Manager

there is official notification from the party who paid the fees, that the student has withdrawn from the training program; AND

the student’s withdrawal from the training program can be confirmed by Brite Institute

Course Level

Reason for refund

Refund Amount

Certificates
1 - 4

A Student has decided to withdraw from a course within 4 weeks after the scheduled course commencement date.